Cottage Living ... The Food Network ... When Does a Girl Get Any Rest?

On Saturday morning, I found a flyer on our front door announcing that the Food Network would be taping at Joe's Farm Grill and that Agritopia had been selected as one of the top 10 cottage communities in the US and Cottage Living would be here to take pictures.

You would think this would have prompted me to immediately rush upstairs, hop in the shower, find an outfit that coordinated and apply a bit of makeup? Yes, looking back ... that would have been a much wiser choice. Instead ... at about 12:30 in the afternoon ... I was still in my pajamas!

I went outside to help Ben with some Christmas lights when our neighbor came over and shared that Cottage Living was taking pictures just one section of cottages over from ours.

Shelly and I abandoned our children (like any good mothers would do) and went in search of the action and FAME! To make a very long and somewhat embarrassing story short ... when we got over to the shoot ... they appeared to be in desperate need of models. I think I should emphasize the word DESPERATE! Did I mention I was wearing sweatpants, slippers, the shirt I slept in from the night before and had mascara eyes!! The only cute part of my wardrobe was my pink sweater which they made me remove because the magazine pictures were going to be published in JUNE and no one wears sweaters in June. I almost mentioned that we don't wear pants or slippers in June either but I thought that might be pushing it!

So there I am ... making my national debut with uncombed hair, no makeup and pjs! I had to sign a release form since the picture was close enough to make out my face. I asked the editor if I was close enough to sign a release ... if he could at least add a little blush and lipstick to my face. I'll let you know if we make the magazine! If not ... Shelly took a picture of us with the photographers and editor ... just as proof! I'll have to get her to send it to me.

And ... as if that wasn't enough ... today we went to Joe's Farm Grill and mingled with the guys from The Food Network! J How was putting on the charm! He kept saying "Cheese, cheese, cheese" when the cameramen were around. Bummer for him ... when they actually thought he was cute and put the MEGA camera in his face ... he went to his "dear in headlights" look. Oh well! Here are a few pictures from our time in the spotlight :)

Here we are eating out meal ... right before they asked to "relocate the family" so they could tape in front of the fireplace. Joe and Guy chatting by where we used to be sitting ... maybe Eli's car seat will make the shot?

Guy and the crew! Looks like Eli is taking a trip back to the 60's ... Peace man!

I won't let all this fun go straight to my head but one of our neighbor kids does refer to me now as "Mrs. Famous!"